Intimacy issues are common for people who fear vulnerability. Some people can become vulnerable in front of a few trusted friends, however, but when a relationship starts becoming too close, they feel suffocated. In this sense, the intimacy issues are seated in the fear of developing a deep and meaningful relationship with another person.

Two fears that are at the heart of intimacy issues, are the fear of abandonment (fearing the partner might leave them) and the fear of engulfment (fearing that they would lose themselves in a relationship), which sometimes co-exist. These fears, often rooted in childhood traumas, are often deeply entrenched in codependent adult relationships where they cause friction.

A therapist who works with people who have intimacy issues will first help you to learn to become comfortable with yourself and accept yourself for who you are. You will explore the complex past events that have created these intimacy issues and discover that those events don't have to cloud your present experiences.

This process is essential in discovering that rejection does not have to be a traumatic experience. Finally, you will learn how to set personal boundaries that will help you to avoid the fear of engulfment and to cope, should abandonment occur. While healing intimacy issues can be a challenging and somewhat painful task, the rewards are incredible.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who addresses intimacy issues, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

The experience fo trauma can have profound effects on both family and friends. Loved ones may struggle with feelings of helplessness, when witnessing a family member or friend endure emotional pain and suffering. Trauma can also lead to changes in both communication and dynamics within the relationships, potentially causing which force people to grapple with their own emotions and coping mechanisms. However, with support and understanding, family and friends can play a vital role in the healing process, providing comfort and a sense of belonging during times of distress.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist with specialized training in helping friends or family cope with trauma you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.